Body Revolution: Week 1&2 Update

So, I've completed the first 2 weeks of Jillian Michael's Body Revolution program. For the first week I did the kick start phase where I added in an extra cardio workout every day. The program has workouts set 6 days per week. It is laid out so that you do 2 consecutive days of weigh bearing exercises (working the front of the body one day and the back of the body the next), followed by 1 day of cardio only and then repeating the same cycle. So weeks 1 and 2 are identical (with the exception of the extra cardio in week 1):

Monday: Workout 1
Tuesday: Workout 2
Wednesday: Cardio 1
Thursday: Workout 1
Friday Workout 2
Saturday: Cardio 1
Sunday: rest

This is how the workouts will be organized for the entire duration of the program. There are 12 weeks in total and a corresponding 12 workouts.

Overall, I thought the exercises chosen were a good introduction to the program. They allowed you to get accustomed to the kind of exercises that you will be performing, but on an easier level. I liked that Jillian incorporated harder versions of the same exercise so that if you were more in shape, you could easily get more bang for your buck. If you were a total beginner - as in, you never ever exercise - then you would find this workout difficult. That being said, I still believe that you could complete the exercises, it would just be very difficult.

I liked the method in which Jillian laid out the exercises. She regularly incorporated cardio bursts throughout the workout to keep heart rate high, which is great for fat loss and calorie burning as well as building your cardiovascular system.

I really appreciated the fact that you did not require much equipment to perform these workouts (at least, so far). All you need is some dumbbells and a resistance band. Most people have these at home, but if you don't, it is a worthwhile investment. Purchasing basic exercise equipment can free you from a gym membership which will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Although, I personally found the workouts pretty easy, I can see how Jillian will make things much harder in the near future - I am looking forward to it.


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